Hello Beech. Yes I had that suggestion from someone else. The brackets had a hole on the outer end and it appears they slid up the handle tube from the bottom before the handle was attached to the base. I would need some measurements from original brackets too.

There is a mower for sale with what appears to be good brackets. Problem being it is in Queensland (Gold Coast) and I am in Tassie.

I wish I had some way of getting it even though I think the price is a bit steep. One can't negotiate and then ask to have it packed for a courier.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Regards
Dan